If you’re considering a way to see Burlington at your own pace without breaking the bank, this smartphone-guided walking tour might catch your eye. It promises a relaxed, self-paced exploration of the city’s highlights, from waterfront vistas to lively marketplaces. While we haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, we’ve sifted through hands-on reviews, the itinerary details, and the features to give you an honest, balanced picture.
What we like most? First, the flexibility to explore on your own schedule makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed vibe over rigid group timings. Second, the inclusion of family-friendly stops and questions means it’s accessible for visitors of all ages, making it a good option for families or groups wanting a casual, educational stroll.
However, a potential downside is the lack of audio narration, which some might find limits engagement. Also, at $27.50 for a group of up to 15, some might feel it’s a bit steep—especially considering that most content is written rather than spoken. Still, if you love the idea of a customizable city walk with support available, this could be a good fit.
This tour will suit visitors who want to see Burlington at their own pace, enjoy some educational moments along the way, and aren’t expecting an audio-guided experience with narration. It’s especially appealing for those who prefer the freedom of self-guided exploration rather than traditional tours.
Key Points
- Self-guided flexibility allows you to explore Burlington at your own pace.
- Family-friendly stops and questions make it accessible for all ages.
- Support available 24/7 ensures help if needed during your walk.
- Price point offers a budget-friendly way to see the city, but some may find it a little costly for what’s mostly written content.
- Itinerary covers key sites from waterfront views to local arts and historic landmarks.
- No audio narration could be a missed opportunity for some travelers wanting a more immersive experience.
- Suitable for most travelers; no special skills or transportation needed.
A Walk Through Burlington: What to Expect
This tour kicks off at Waterfront Park, a perfect starting point if you’re arriving by Lake Champlain. We loved the chance to start right on the water, soaking in the views and imagining what life was like before Europeans arrived. The first stop really sets the tone—offering a glimpse into the area’s ancient past through written stories and questions you can explore at your leisure.
From there, the journey takes you to the ECHO Leahy Center, a natural hub for Vermont’s environmental passions. While the tour itself doesn’t include an admission ticket, it’s a reminder of how deeply connected this city and its residents are to nature. The story of land protection here is compelling and adds depth to your walk.
The next stops—Follett House, a historic mansion, and 95 College Street—bring you into Vermont’s industrial roots and the influence of the University of Vermont. The descriptions highlight Vermont’s inventive spirit, which you’ll get to learn about through written content that’s easy to read and digest at your own pace. One reviewer appreciated how relaxed this part was, noting, “We were able to take our time at each stop to relax and read the material.”
City Hall Park offers a glimpse of urban renewal, showcasing Burlington’s forward-thinking approach to public spaces that foster community gatherings—music and socializing included. From here, the tour transitions into cultural highlights with visits to the Flynn Center, where you might imagine some of the big acts and comedy tours that have graced its stage. While the tour doesn’t include tickets, the building’s reputation as a top theater makes it a worthwhile stop.
Then you arrive at Courthouse Plaza, an intriguing inclusion that promises local ghost stories and secrets of old Burlington—sure to appeal to history buffs or curious minds. The arts scene continues at the Burlington City Arts Center, reflecting the city’s vibrant local talent through free galleries. Finally, the tour wraps up at the lively Church Street Marketplace, arguably the beating heart of Burlington, with its pedestrian-friendly streets, shops, and eateries.
The last stop — the First Unitarian Universalist Society — closes the loop on Burlington’s history, set in one of the city’s oldest buildings. The fact that this tour is designed with written content means you can linger, read, and absorb at your own pace, which many reviewers appreciated.
Planning more time in Burlington? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
How the Tour Feels in Practice
The beauty of this tour is in its customization. You don’t have to follow a strict schedule. For example, one reviewer said, “We loved the way we could relax, take our time, and read the material at each stop.” This feature is perfect if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a slow stroll with occasional stops for notes or photos.
Support is available via phone or email, which adds peace of mind. Should you encounter questions or technical issues, help is just a quick call or email away—an often overlooked benefit of digital tours like this.
In terms of duration, the tour takes about an hour to an hour and a half. That’s perfect for fitting into a day of exploring Burlington without feeling rushed. You can even extend your visit at stops like the Church Street Marketplace if you wish to soak in more local flavor.
Pricing is $27.50 per group, accommodating up to 15 participants. Compared to traditional guided tours, this is quite economical, especially considering the flexibility it offers. However, some might feel it’s a tad expensive since it’s mostly written content without narration. One review said, “For the price, it was very worthwhile,” highlighting how the value varies depending on what you’re looking for.
The itinerary covers a diverse mix of natural beauty, history, culture, and local life—offering a comprehensive yet manageable way to get acquainted with Burlington’s soul.
Real Experiences and Honest Feedback
The reviews provide a well-rounded perspective. One traveler called it “Very worthwhile,” noting that it provided a great overview of the city’s highlights. They appreciated the ability to go at their own pace and learn about Vermont’s history and Burlington’s site-specific stories.
On the other hand, a visitor felt it was “super expensive for what we got”—a reminder that if you’re expecting a narrated experience, this might not meet those expectations. The lack of audio narration means you’ll need to pay close attention to the written stories or bring your own (or an audio guide if you prefer).
Another review highlighted how the written guidance was “entirely written,” which some may find perfect for relaxed reading, but others might miss the dynamic of spoken storytelling. Still, the ability to set your own pace is a definite plus, especially for those wanting to avoid large tour groups or scheduled timings.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Burlington Walk
- Start early at Waterfront Park to enjoy the morning light and fewer crowds.
- Bring a portable charger—since your phone is your guide, keeping it powered is key.
- Take your time at each stop, especially the art galleries and historic sites.
- Use the written stories to spark your own questions or research afterward—great for history buffs.
- If you wish for narration, consider bringing your own audio device or simply reading aloud for your group.
- Check the schedule—this experience is available from early morning to evening, so plan accordingly.
- Look out for local cafes near the Church Street Marketplace for a relaxing break.
- Remember, tickets are non-refundable if canceled within 24 hours, so plan your schedule carefully.
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you’re someone who enjoys self-guided walks, appreciates the flexibility of exploring on your own terms, and wants a budget-friendly way to see key Burlington sites, this tour can be quite rewarding. It’s especially suitable for those who like reading and absorbing information at their leisure, rather than listening to narration.
Travelers who prefer guided tours with extensive storytelling or audio commentary might find this a bit lacking, but if you enjoy a relaxed, educational stroll with support available, it hits the right notes. It’s also a good pick for families or groups who want to explore Burlington together without strict time constraints.
That said, if you’re expecting a fully narrated experience or a tightly curated guided tour, you might want to consider other options. This is best viewed as a flexible, independent way to get a sense of Burlington’s highlights at your own pace.
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Burlington
“This tour was a great way to see highlights of the city and to learn about the history of Burlington and Vermont. Having audio would have enhanced …”
FAQs
How long does the tour last?
It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop and how quickly you read the written content.
What’s included in the tour?
You get access to a web interface with written stories and questions for each stop, plus phone and email support available around the clock.
Are there any admission fees?
Some stops, like Lake Champlain and Burlington City Arts Center, have free admission, while others, like the ECHO Leahy Center, do not include tickets. You might find some stops require separate admission if you choose to explore further.
Can I do this tour with children?
Yes, it includes family-friendly stops and questions, making it suitable for travelers with kids who enjoy a relaxed walk and learning.
Is this tour available any day?
Yes, it runs daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so you can pick a time that suits your schedule.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refundable.
Does the tour include guided narration?
No, it currently offers written guidance only, with audio narration coming in summer 2022—so you’ll read about each site.
Is it suitable for large groups?
Yes, up to 15 people can participate together for the set price.
What should I bring?
A smartphone with sufficient battery life, perhaps a portable charger, and curiosity. Optional: comfortable shoes and a notebook or camera.
In closing, this smartphone-guided tour of Burlington offers a laid-back, customizable way to explore Vermont’s largest city. It’s perfect if you value independence, enjoy reading about history and culture, and want to set your own pace. While it may not be the most dynamic or narrated experience, it provides a solid foundation for discovering Burlington’s highlights without the fuss of scheduled guides or large groups. For those who like to craft their own adventure, it’s worth considering.
